“When your innovation is born from heartbreak, it becomes a healing gift to the world.”
As the quote resonates, at just 23 years old, Kughanya Kumaran, a passionate Mass Communication student from INTI International University, Penang, has made Malaysia shine on the global stage with her groundbreaking eco-innovation, an achievement that proves young Malaysian minds can lead global change.
To gain more insights into her success story, we at Astro Ulagam has contacted the champ for a quick call session.
Flying halfway across the world to the United Kingdom, Kughanya competed in the FLARE 2025 International Business Pitch Championships, where her green-tech innovation captured the attention of global judges, scientists, government environmental teams, and professionals, ultimately winning her First Place in the prestigious competition.
“I didn’t just fly to the UK with a pitch. I flew with the weight of a promise to show that Malaysia can lead in green innovation.”
While the core of her idea remains confidential due to its national sensitivity, Kughanya revealed that her innovation addresses two of Malaysia’s most urgent environmental crises. Her solution transforms toxic waste into an organic product that not only heals the soil but also improves public health. Aptly named Nutriloop, her invention is both a product and a promise, a step toward reshaping how Malaysians view sustainability.
“This wasn’t just a project. It’s a gift to Malaysia. A small favour I did for my country, to make it proud.”
Kughanya’s inspiration came from a place of deep concern. Her research showed that within five years, Malaysia could face serious health and environmental threats if waste disposal practices and synthetic chemical use continue unchecked.
“Instead of staying silent, I created a solution.”
Armed with passion, she worked through three months of sleepless nights to develop her product and refine her pitch. In the UK, her innovation not only won her the top spot, but also resonated with the judges and audience so deeply that many expressed interests in purchasing the product on the spot.
“The moment the judges touched, smelled, and tested my product and gave their overwhelming support, I knew I had created something real. That validation was more valuable than the trophy itself.”
Asking on what’s next for Malaysia’s green trailblazer?
Kughanya now plans to expand Nutriloop across Penang and Klang Valley, with dreams of making it Malaysia’s No.1 green-tech brand. More than winning awards, her focus is on scientific research, national registration, and building a full-fledged business, a sustainable Malaysian brand led by a young woman with purpose.
“One day, I want to call myself the proud founder and lady boss of a homegrown company that heals the planet.”
She’s also set her sights on more global innovation platforms, to spread Malaysia’s name in environmental leadership and prove that youth-led change is not only possible, it’s powerful.
Expected to graduate in 2026, Kughanya is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in mass communication (University of Hertfordshire programme) with a clear goal in mind: to become a world-class green entrepreneur and changemaker.
“Malaysia has talent. We just need more platforms and belief. I want to lead ventures that generate profit and purpose, protecting nature and uplifting lives.”
“Start from the heart. Don’t chase awards but chase impact. Your story is your superpower. Fail, learn, and rise again. And when you succeed, stay grounded, it will take you even higher.”
Her advice to students? Don’t wait to be picked. Be brave enough to start. Speak up, innovate with purpose, and fight for a better future. Let your pain fuel your passion and build something that changes lives.
“I flew to the UK to prove that Malaysians can rise. Together, we can turn waste into wealth, pain into purpose, and ideas into green revolutions.”
Behind every achievement stands a strong pillar of support – and here's to the incredible team behind this young lady's success.
“My deepest gratitude goes to my father, who stood by me every step of the way. It was his support and quick action that made my journey to the UK possible. Despite the last-minute challenges, he ensured everything was in place so I could chase my dream. More than anything, he believed in me and that belief carried me through.”*
“I also want to thank my lecturer and mentor, Mr. Hafiz, for being my guiding light throughout this journey. His coaching, encouragement, and belief in my potential helped me deliver my pitch with confidence and clarity. And of course, a heartfelt thanks to the University of Hertfordshire (UH) for giving me the platform to showcase my innovation on an international stage. This victory isn’t mine alone, it belongs to every person who helped me rise,” says Kughanya.
That's the spirit!
A proud daughter of Penang, Kughanya Kumaran represents the kind of future Malaysia needs: bold, compassionate, visionary, and deeply rooted in service to her community and the environment. And if her journey is anything to go by, the world better be ready, because Malaysia is rising.
Thank you for putting Malaysia in world map, Kughanya!
Image Credit : Kughanya Kumaran